Riiiiiiiiicolllaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!

Picking up from day 6, after 2 nights in Venezia, our Contiki European Magic coach (has a nice ring to it huh? like a magic bus) began the travel to Switzerland… more specifically, a lil’ town called ‘Lucerne’. According to schedule, we were to go visit Mt. Stanserhorn on our way there.

The drive from Italy to Switzerland was yet another scenic journey. Switzerland is a land decorated with mountain tops, hills and huge lakes and valleys. Being in the coach was an experience altogether, as we tried to snap pictures while on the go… camera in hand to make sure we didn’t miss any sights!





Our journey up the approximately 1900m Stanserhorn, located in Canton Nidwalden, was divided in 2 parts; the first half of the journey was by a vintage funicular, which was opened in 1893.




Our pretty Swiss Stanserhorn Funicular driver. =)

We then transferred to a modern cable car which took us right to the peak of Mt. Stanserhorn, where there was a cafe, a viewpoint and a short (but steep) walk to the summit! We were amazed by the number of grandmas and grandpas who were strolling slowly to the summit… some armed with walking aids even! Damn on man!








Trudging up the trail to the summit…




Some guys getting ready to hang-glide off the top of Mt Stanserhorn! Woo hoo!


The summit!!! Conquered by Jack & Rai… forget the bit that we took transport up the mountain ya? =p



Pretty Mt. Stanserhorn… Sigh…

Next stop, was Lucerne… we kinda enjoyed our visit to the mountain summit… cos the weather was HOT! Italy and Switzerland were rather dry and hot, characteristic of summer… but the summit was nice and cool!

Lucerne is a small town in Central Switzerland… I wouldn’t say there’s much to do there… but it’s nice as a really chill city. Our first stop was at a watch centre… where we were informed that the branded watches were apparently much cheaper there. But our line of sight went straight to the corner where they sold Victorinox Swiss Army knives! We each bought one for ourselves… mine has a Ranger hand-grip with 23 functions! Most importantly a corkscrew! =P

We took a short walk around the city centre, and crossed the Chapel Bridge, before settling own for some cheese and bread.





I call this next artistic photo… “Sitting Ducks”



Time for fooooood…. I couldn’t wait for my cheeeeeeese… 6 different types of cheese… and bread. Yums.



We met up a sort while later, and joined our tour group where Anna took us to her favorite monument.. which was tucked away in a little park just near the city centre.
The monument was very beautiful indeed… it was carved into a cliff face… and depicted a wounded lion, covering a shield, dying from a mortal wound inflicted by a spear in the back. It is meant to honor the Swiss Guards who were killed during the French Revolution in 1792. Writer Mark Twain described the sculpture as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.”





After checking into our guesthouse, we had a quick bite of dinner, and headed back into the city to hit the bars this time. More specifically, to celebrate Anna’s birthday… at a delightful sports bar called ‘Anfield’… (yes in Switzerland). Beer!!!





Great night out with our tourmates… went back to the hotel to hit the sack… and prep for our next and final destination (violins play)… the delightful Paris!